2021-1880 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-1880
A resolution supporting the increase of State Shared Revenue distribution in the State of Wisconsin.
WHEREAS, for over ninety years the state shared revenue program has been a key component of Wisconsin's
state and local relationship and an important part of the state's overall program of property tax relief; and
WHEREAS, over the last 20 years shared revenue funding for municipalities has been cut by $94 million; and
WHEREAS, over the last 10 years more than $1.1 million in staff expenses have been reduced in the City of
Janesville in reaction to the loss of shared revenue funding, causing decreases in municipal services; and
WHEREAS, over the last 10 years losses to Public Safety programs have totaled more than $500,000, resulting
in Police and Fire Department hiring freezes and position reductions; and
WHEREAS, despite the City receiving an additional $583,000 in state aid and using most of the funds to hire 3
police officers and 3 firefighters, public safety staffing is still lower than it was a decade ago with the Janesville
Police Department short a sworn officer, and the Janesville Fire Department short one Fire Prevention Staff; and
WHEREAS, over the last generation, property taxes have grown as a share of city and village revenues as
shared revenue and other state aid to Wisconsin municipalities has lagged; and
WHEREAS, state aid provided a larger share of municipal revenues in Wisconsin than property taxes from 1975
to 1997. Today property taxes account for more than twice as much municipal revenue as state aid; and
WHEREAS, to create and maintain quality communities that attract businesses and families, municipalities must
invest in services and infrastructure that people and businesses expect, like police protection, fire suppression,
road maintenance, snowplowing, libraries, and parks; and
WHEREAS, the state should reinvest a portion of its sales and income tax revenue growth in local communities
to spur further economic growth and make Wisconsin communities places where people want to live and work.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Janesville calls on the Legislature
to pass a state budget increasing funding for the shared revenue program and directs the Clerk to send a copy
of this resolution to the state legislators representing the City of Janesville, to Governor Tony Evers and to the
League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
ADOPTED: April 12, 2021 Motion by: Consent
Second by: Consent
APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
AIL/ Benson X
X
Mark A. F eitag, City Manager Farrell X
Johnson X
ATTEST: Marklein X
2/704— Williams X
Wolfe X
Derr eise, Interim City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczy , City Attorney
Proposed by: Council President Conley
Prepared by: City Manager's Office